He was born in Lowell, Massachusetts, on May 16, 1940, a son of George and Beatrice (Chiasson) Tranchemontagne. Leon graduated from St. Ignatius High School in Sanford and from New Hampshire College, Class of 1966, currently known as Southern New Hampshire University.
After college, Leon was in personnel for over 20 years at Johnson & Johnson, Dorr Woolen, Sunbeam and ITT. Before retiring, he was in real estate for 15 years and owner of Fine Homes.
Leon was an automobile enthusiast. One of his greatest joys in life was taking his classic sports car for drives along the coast.
On March 30, 2003, Leon was given the gift of life through an organ transplant. After this gift, he wanted to give back by spreading awareness of organ donation throughout New England with presentations through the Rotary Club and other organizations.
He was a devoted member of the Biddeford Saco Rotary Club for over 20 years, and was a recipient of the Paul Harris Award.
Family was most important to Leon. For the last 40 years, the yearly family reunion has been a way for the family to get together, and was always the highlight of his year.
He was preceded in death by: two brothers, Jean and Paul; and two sisters, Lea Cote and Irene Itabashi.
He is survived by: his wife of 42 years, Cheryl (Brennan) Tranchemontagne; three children, Lea Tranchemontagne, Karen Jack and her husband Tony, and Peter Tranchemontagne; seven grandchildren, Kaelin, Blaine, Christopher, Brandon, Jordan, Victoria and Steffon; great-grandchildren; one brother, George; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Friday, July 8, at Cote Funeral Home, 87 James St., Saco. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 9, at St. Brendan’s Church in Biddeford Pool. Burial will be at a later date.
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider donations to: Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 U.S. Route 1 #1, Scarborough, ME 04074.
To view Leon’s memorial page or leave an online condolence, please visit cotefuneralhome.com.
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